Tuesday, 6 January 2009

New Year in Spain

At the crack of half past three on Boxing Day morning, we staggered out of bed and made our way to Manchester Airport to catch the plane to Gibraltar. Meanwhile the Wren and her husband were flying out from Gatwick to Malaga. We were all meeting up in Vejer de la Frontera to spend some time with Jemima and Cody. That night we all met up to swap Christmas presents and catch up on each other's news.

Since I last went to Vejer, Jemima and Cody have acquired a dog, Eva.

Peter with Eva by the fountain in the main square. Some joker had put shampoo in the water and it was bubbling all over the place.

This is Flossie, Eva's best mate. Flossie belongs to Caroline, Cody's mother.We had great fun taking the dogs to the beach for a scamper.

One evening we went for a walk in the pine forests above Cape Trafalgar. These are the pine trees that produce pine nuts. On the way back, just as it was getting dark, we saw an Eagle Own sitting on a branch. I texted Maalie excidedly. He was somewhat envious. He's never seen one.

Eagle Owl Woods.

Eagle Owl. I didn't take this picture, by the way.

Cape Trafalgar from Eagle Owl Woods.

One day we all went into Cadiz, the nearest large town. I hadn't been there before. It is a strange place, built on a spit of land, and the highest point is only seven metres above sea level. Cadiz was beautiful, very old. Some say that it is the oldest European town. There were some huge Rubber Trees. The original seeds were brought back when the Spanish first discovered the Americas, so must be over five hundred years old.

Wren and Jemima admiring the Rubber Tree.

On New Year's Day, a gathering of Jemima, Cody's and Caroline's friends met up on the beach. It was cold. Really cold. The Atlantic waves were huge. People were wearing wet suits and surfing. Jemima got very excited and suggested we all went in. "No cozzy" said I. "Go in wearing undies" she replied. So we did! My it was cold. Once you got to knee-level, you were knocked over by the pounding surf. We didn't stay in long, but I surprised myself by having a swim in the Atlantic on New Year's Day wearing my undies! Luckily I have no photos to prove it. You'll just have to take my word!

Another silly thing we did was to clamber up a gigantic sand dune and then turned round and ran down again. That was hard work actually!

Peter and me at the top.

The week went by so quickly. It seemed like no time at all, and we were back in Gibraltar. We sat on the roof of the airport waiting until it was time to board. This cheeky little fellow wouldn't leave us alone. He was obviously after my croissant and coffee. I thought it was a Herring Gull, but Maalie assures me it's a Yellow Legged Gull. Well, he should know.

In the plane waiting to take off on the rather scarey runway. The Rock on our right, sea on our left, ahead and behind.

I thought gulls were just gulls..... but obviously I had something new to learn here! You are an adventurer you, going for a swim in such cold water. I know you wouldn't have managed to talk me into getting in there!!!

Lucky you, spending New Year's in Spain, sounds wonderful! That Eagle Owl is a very attracive bird.... and do they really eat cats? I can't imagine that!Crazy people here go swimming in lake Ontario on New Year's Day, thay call is the Polar Bear Swim, sometimes they have to break the ice first.... YIKES!

Nice pics as always, Lorenzo, though I like these better. A bit on the cold side, though, it looks like, but to see a new year in in Spain, sounds quite nice.

Sorry about all the links. Wish Blogger would take care of this problem. It shows up on other blogs as well. Maybe I should get rid of the side post. I need to let them know; I think it comes from the recent posts on the side of my blog. Crazy.

There is plenty on the internet about eagle owls eating cats. I have seen an incredible picture of one sitting in a window of the Alhambra in Granada with a kitten dangling from its mouth! Lorenzo was a bit squeamish when I told her this. Luckily we hadn't brought any of the cats on the walk with us anyway.

Hola Lorenzo! My name is Jim and I'm trying to contact Cody in Vejer (when I put Cody, Vejer del la Frontera in google it directed me to your blog!). Cody helped me make a tent with his friend Roly a couple of years ago. I'm currently touring Andalucia and would very much like to catch up with Cody in Vejer. If you get this could you send me Cody's e-mail address and/or phone number to mrsunnyjim@postmaster.co.uk or contact me on +44 7760 237467.Many thanks, Jim

I must say Spain is high on my list of interesting places I'd like to see.

Guess you're having a good time with your brother. Great that you folks can get around. Europe has great scenery and interesting culture. Our scenery in the U.S. may be just as good overall- or possibly a tad bit better when you consider some places, but I think you edge us out on the cultural end of things.

If you want to have a good drink with a delicious tapa and be setting with the Alhambra palace in front of your eyes, you must come to Granada!. I recommend you The White Nest Hostel. It is located in the best area of the Albayzin with magnificent view of the palace and paseo de los tristes. You can find a young international group of like minded people, in fresh vibrant surroundings. You will have a great time to remember your entire life… I propose you to stay in Hostels Granada and experience the life of Albayzin, Sacromonte and the heart of Granada itself.